WOW151 Messerschmitt Me 410

Description

The Me 410 was a follow on design from the unsuccessful Me 210, but the design changes were significant enough for it to be given a new serial number. Its predecessor the Me 210 story reads like a Greek tragedy, with the flawed main character contributing to the suicide of Ernst Udet and the wasted lives of many German airmen. It was the subject of ongoing bureaucratic interference and clashes between high profile political, military and political personalities. Perhaps most importantly, this flying cul-de-sac diverted limited production resources away from proven defensive aircraft in the critical mid and late-war years. However the Me 410 was a much more successful breed and was initially used in a photo reconnaissance role over the UK. Seeing its load carrying potential the Luftwaffe converted the Me 410 to a bomber destroyer and used it with some success against the USAAF daylight bomber formations. It could be fitted with several variations in armament, including a pair of 30mm calibre MK 103 cannon, 2 x 20mm cannon or the very sizeable BK 5 50mm cannon, of which our version portrays. Our model WOW151 is one operated by ZG 26 which is reputed to have downed 129 Flying Fortresses and Liberators during a series of 5 or 6 interceptions, whilst losing only 9 of their own aircraft. Initially as just described, the Me 410 was very successful against unescorted Allied bombers, which reputedly lead it to becoming one of Hitler’s favourite bomber interceptor aircraft. However with the introduction of the Mustang operating as a bomber escort, the Me 410 soon became a target itself sustaining losses equal to the number of bombers they downed. From mid-1944 the Me 410 was withdrawn from the bomber interceptor role and used in the night-time reconnaissance role only.

The Me 410 had a wing span of 53ft making it equal in size to the Me 110, it also makes it a large 1/30 scale model! Because of the complex glass canopy and frontal observation port this model took something approaching 2 years to manufacture, as some collectors who were aware of its development can testify. Its often joked that we could make the real thing quicker than some of these models! The price for this model is $999 plus $150 postage, which is reflected in the banner price. There is no free postage on warbirds due to their large size.